2027 Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program
About this opportunity
Fully funded fellowship for young African leaders driving community change in education, poverty, gender equality, sustainability, or youth empowerment.
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program by AFS Youth Assembly, funded by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, is a 12-month fellowship for 10 outstanding young changemakers aged 18–35 from Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative empowers leaders with capacity-building, seed funding, and resources to drive sustainable development in their communities through a mix of virtual workshops, in-person events in Geneva (August 2027), and local impact projects. The program fosters a global network of leaders, offering recognition at the Youth Assembly’s Closing Ceremony and mentorship to scale community-driven change.
Key benefits include fully funded participation (travel, accommodation, and enrollment in the AFS Global Competence Certificate Program), plus access to pre-Assembly workshops, an intensive changemaking workshop, and seed funding for impact projects post-program.
Eligibility is strictly for African nationals aged 18–35 with proven leadership, a social impact project (preferred), and the ability to attend the 2027 Youth Assembly in Geneva. English proficiency (intermediate level) and a demonstrated interest in global affairs are required. Applications open for the third cohort, with 6,000+ applicants competing for 10 spots.
Early applications are encouraged due to visa processing timelines, and submissions are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Note: AI-generated narratives are discouraged in applications.
Key details
What you get
- Fully funded participation (travel, accommodation, seed funding for impact projects)
- Enrollment in the **AFS Global Competence Certificate Program** (virtual)
- Pre-Youth Assembly preparation workshops
- Attendance at the **2027 AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva**
- Intensive **Effect+ in the Community** workshop in Switzerland
- Mentorship from the **AFS Impact Network**
- Recognition at the **Closing Ceremony** of the Youth Assembly
- Seed funding for **6-month impact projects** post-program
- Networking with **700–900 global leaders** (40% from Sub-Saharan Africa)
Documents needed
- unexpired passport
- proof of leadership experience
- social impact project details (preferred)
- English proficiency proof (intermediate level)
- AI-generated narrative discouraged
How to apply
- Submit an application via the official portal by **November 19, 2026** (UTC 23:59).
- Include required documents (passport, leadership proof, project details, English proof).
- Follow first-come, first-served review; early applications recommended for visa processing.
- Avoid AI-generated narratives in personal statements.
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